The Sunday Mail
Lawson Madzivanyika
NEW Revelations Glass House Ministries International founder Bishop Ancelem Takaedza has castigated “prophets” who short-change believers to enrich themselves.
At Easter celebrations in Chitungwiza last week, Bishop Takaedza said: “There seems to be a rise in the number of prophets who are misleading God’s flock for their own selfish gains.”
While he said money was essential for growth of the church, he raised alarm over the emphasis on sales of dolls, stickers and anointing oil to followers.
He quoted James 5:14, “’Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord’. There is no verse in that Scripture which says elders should sell anointed oil to desperate congregates.”
Faced with economic, social and health challenges, many people are flocking to charismatic movements that promise instant solutions.
Job seekers, the sick, those with marital issues and many others are buying the “annointed” itmes that cost anything from US$1 to US$20.
Bishop Takaedza urged Christians to go back to the fundamental of accepting Jesus Christ as their personal saviour.
“If you have faith that Jesus Christ is your personal saviour all things shall come to pass. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, all of our sins were exonerated and who ever believes in him shall live an everlasting life. People are dying because of these false prophets. Some even stop their medication after being misled that that they have been healed.
“How someone can put a sticker of another man on his car and claim that the prophet is watching over him yet he is busy sleeping in his home?
“The only spirit you can trust to protect you is Jesus Christ. He is the giver and taker of life – not any mortal being,” added Bishop Takaedza.
His wife, Bishop Margaret, warned women to be wary of money-seeking prophets.
“Women constitute 52 percent of the population and are the pillars of most households.
‘‘They are the vulnerable ones since they are burdened with societal problems to keep their families surviving.
“Anointing oil or wrist bands are not the solutions to solving your problems but trusting in the Lord,” she said.
